PERSPECTIVES
The Foundation of Good Communication “G
o therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:18-20).
Many people think they are multitasking when they are on their phones. They believe they can be present and active while at the same time engaging their smartphones. Unfortunately, studies have debunked this and the truth is that we can’t multitask. While other articles in this issue of OUTLOOK will focus on building our Here it is—our marching or- communication skills, I want ders from Jesus Himself. This to focus on what I consider to rhetorical questions about your is the reason we come together be one of our great deficiencies listening skills: as a church and organize in communication: listening. Do you set your phone ourselves for service ... to share down and put other distracthe everlasting gospel with tions away when you are with the world, teaching them and people in your life where commaking disciples. munication is critical? With Have you ever been in Embedded in the Great your spouse? Your children? conversation with someone Commission is the need to While at church? When opporand your mind was somecommunicate. Consequently, tunity arises to be a witness? where else? I have done that a in this issue we are going to Do you find yourself “in the few times with very important talk about how we can become present” when you need to be people in my life. I know I better communicators so we in an acute listening mode? can be as effective as possible in discouraged them when they Do you find yourself realized I wasn’t following their sharing the good news of Jesus. forming answers in your mind conversation closely. In the Bible one of the most to what someone is sharing with you instead of just being sobering warnings we find throughout the books of Dan- a patient listener and hearing them out? We have some extra commu- iel and Revelation is “To him Do you often find yourself nication challenges in today’s who has ears, let him hear...” offering quick fixes to what world we didn’t have just 20 This is simply imploring us to or so years ago. The majority truly be alert to what the Word someone is sharing with you? Do you ask clarifying of people I observe now have of God is telling us and how questions instead of trying smartphones. This means they He is leading in our lives. So to be a mind reader? can get their email, browse the not only do we have a need to Do you keep good eye internet, watch TV or movies, be better listeners in our intertext, look at social media, or personal relationships, but also contact with those who are speaking with you? play games 24/7 on their phone. in our walk with God. Are you attentive to the If you just watch the behavior feelings of those communiof most people today, they can’t cating with you? sit a second without pulling Do you ever find yourself out their phone and becoming So, let me ask you some having selective hearing? glued to it.
Lacking focus
Listening to what you want to listen to and ignoring the rest? These are just a few matters to consider in being a good listener, which I believe is the foundation of good communication. May all of us have “ears to hear” the important communication we need to absorb to be fully engaged with the people God has put in our life and especially to hear the Lord speaking to our hearts.
Hyperconnected
Two ears, one mouth
4 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2020
GARY THURBER is president of the Mid-America Union.
